STAFF
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Dina CastelluccioDirectorDina Castelluccio began her training in Connecticut at the Stratford Center for the Performing Arts. She went on to train at CT Dance Conservatory, Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway and Dance New Amsterdam, where she trained with top NYC teachers. Dina is co-founder and artistic director of a contemporary company, Clarity in Motion, which has presented Falling Awake and Glass Houses. Her work as also been seen on stage at the Shakespeare Festival, as well as the Joyce Theater in NYC. She directed the musical theater show Broadway Babes and has performed in Broadway in the Park. She was a member of Millennium Dance Company for a year and a half, under the direction of Devin Pulls at Perri Studios, NYC. Dina has judged at numerous cities for the dance competition, National Dance showcase as well as taught master classes at their national convention.
After living in New York City for 6 years as a professional dancer, she is now pursuing her career in Los Angeles. She teaches throughout the Los Angeles County area and continues to teach and choreograph throughout Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Dina has won numerous choreography awards and her work as been asked to perform at The Battle of the Stars, Star Power National Talent Competition. Dina’s performing credits include, Fefe Dobson’s music video Boy Friend, “The View” for Hilary Duff and Nelly Furtatdo, as well as The International Dance Gala in NYC. Karen NerkowskiDirectorKaren Nerkowski began her dance training in Connecticut and earned her BFA in Dance Performance and Elementary Education at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI. She has been teaching and producing award-winning choreography in the Tri-state area for 12 years. In addition to her teaching, Karen is co-director of the professional company CIM dance, which is based out of NYC/L.A.
Karen’s choreography has been presented at The Joyce Theater/Dancin’ Dowtown at the Joyce (NYC), Shakespeare Arts Festival (CT), Uptown Performance Series (NYC) and several showcases/evening length performances around NYC and CT including: Stratford Theatre (CT) and Bridge For Dance (NYC). Karen’s philosophy stems from her love of dance and the belief that all students have the ability to become dancers given the right tools and instruction. Karen motivates her students with the promise that with hard work, repetition, an open mind and a sense of humor anything is possible! |
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Rae-Ann ThomasRae-Ann Thomas was raised in Massachusetts and began dancing at a young age. She is a graduate from Dean College receiving a Bachelorette of Arts degree in Dance and an Associates degree in Business. Directly after college she moved to New York; where she has lived for 5 years. Rae-Ann is teaching and setting choreography at various studios throughout the east coast. She judges for competitions all over the country and even internationally. While hustling in New York City Rae-Ann has gained knowledge about the dance industry through her consistent training in diverse styles. Rae-Ann has performed for choreographers such as Mike Esperanza, Teddy Tedholm, Bonnie O’Rourke, Ellie Sanna, Bryn Cohen, Chris Hale, Calen Kurka, Kristin Sudekis, Hannah Frederick, Rachel Hettinger, Sarah Richman and is a member of TedTed Performance Company, under the direction of Teddy Tedholm. Rae-Ann has presented work at showcases such as HATCH: presenting series, Pushing Progress, The Young Choreographers Festival, and Sans Limits Dance Series. Rae-Ann has also set work as an alumni for the Dean College Dance Department for many shows. Rae-Ann was apart of a winter residency at Salve Regina University teaching master classes as well as setting work for their spring concert. Rae-Ann has participated in the Gypsy Project LA a vigor improvisational base training program in Los Angeles in 2017. Rae-Ann was one of 23 dancers working along side rebounded named dancers and choreographer in the dance industry such as, Tilman O’Donnell, David Harvey, Medhi Walerski, Meg Lawson, Tom Weinberger, Lisette Bustamante, Jillian Meyers, Staci Flood-popp, and under the direction of Erica Sobol founder and creator of the Gypsy Project LA and Lobos art collective. Rae-Ann is a bright and optimistic person who brings positive energy into her work. Her taste for lightness, and comedic accents make her work relatable and unique. She hopes to inspire and motivate all humans with her distinct movement style.
Maria CherniskeIn addition to being a performer, Maria has taught dance to students of all ages for the past eighteen years. Following college, Maria continued her dance education at the Broadway Dance Center in New York where she is a guest instructor. She has trained closely under renowned teachers such as Rhapsody James, Luam Keflezgy, James Jackson Jr., Carlos Neto, Lisette Bustamante, Chonique Sneed and Dana Foglia.
Maria works with students of all ages and levels. She travels internationally to teach. In 2012 Maria was selected to be a mentor for the program Creating Opportunities (www.creatingopps.com) developed by world-renowned choreographers Lisette Bustamante and Chonique Sneed. Maria holds a B.A. in Psychology and Masters in Reading Education. She also holds a Connecticut Teaching Certificate and is certified through Fitness, Gymnastics and Acro federations (listed below). - AFAA Group Fitness Certified - bodyART Certified Instructor - Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED certified - ACRO levels 1-6 through USA Gymnastics - USA Gymnastics Safety Certified - Artistic Gymnastics Coach - State of Connecticut Certified Coach Kelly Kaleta |
